Martin Hefel

Born in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, Martin Hefel attended the teacher's training college in Innsbruck and studied psychology and education at the University of Innsbruck. He did the initial stage of training (Propädeutikum) at Schloss Hofen from 1992 to 1995. Martin Hefel worked first as the director of a youth center and as a teacher. From 1992 to 1993 he established and directed the consulting service Clean Feldkirch. He then devoted himself to building up the addiction prevention organization SUPRO Dornbirn, which he directed until the end of 2003. In 2004 he took over as director of project management and marketing at Stiftung Maria Ebene, a foundation devoted to treating drug addiction and similar problems. From 2007 Martin Hefel ist Head of Marketing an Communication at Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences. In terms of volunteer community involvement, Martin Hefel has been chairman of the Vorarlberger Familienverband (family association) since 1996. In this capacity, he has directed the association and handled political lobbying. Martin Hefel is convinced that health is a pivotal factor in life:

“Keeping our health intact helps us to maintain a balance in everyday life when problems arise. Active health promotion means better health and that means a better quality of life for individuals and a greater ability to live a satisfying life. Promoting the health of children and young people has been a major priority of FGÖ and of mine for years. Supporting and shaping the Fund’s work in this field is a responsible task and an interesting challenge for me as a member of the Advisory Committee.”